PALMDALE – Members of the Builder’s Club from Shadow Hills Intermediate gathered Saturday at Palmdale Cemetery to partake in the Wreaths Across America, a memorial for military patrons who sacrificed their lives for our country.
“I really enjoy helping out people,” said Bryant Mejia, 7th grade Builder’s Club representative. “Since it’s the holidays, I would like to spread cheer to people who are not here.”
The ceremony began around 9 a.m. with a brief introduction by Shadow Hill’s principal Barbara Gaines, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence led by the Builder’s Club President, Elliot Pourdavoud, and Vice President Natera Bray.
Palmdale School District Superintendent Roger Gallizzi also shared his thoughts on the ceremony.
“I think it’s great that the Shadow Hills Builder’s Club have taken this on,” Gallizzi. “It’s a great education for these kids and it’s a good exercise in civics.”
Also in attendance were Palmdale School District Board President Sandra Corrales-Eneix, Palmdale School District Board Clerk Robert “Bo” Bynum, Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Dr. John Porter, Kiwanis Palmdale West Treasurer Jim Willey, and Board Member of Palmdale Aerospace Academy Dave Eneix.
Around 25 people were in attendance, including dignitaries, parents, students and teachers.
Wreaths Across America was a chance for young citizens to show their appreciation for those who fought for their country by placing wreaths at each headstone.
“I’m so impressed by the young people of today and how they’re getting out there and volunteering,” said Eneix.
The Builder’s Club also participates in the Make a Wish foundation and raises money for the community.
“I joined the Builder’s Club because I thought it would be a good opportunity to help others and do stuff for our community, not only to make others feel good, but myself also,” explained Shadow Hills 8th grader Laura Martinez.
The Lancaster Cemetery District Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Lancaster Cemetery (FOLC) held a similar ceremony simultaneously for Lancaster residents at the Lancaster Cemetery.
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gonetoosoon says
“We shall never forget” Thank you for making this a true statement.
Bless you all, what a wonderful thing to do.
Doc Rivers says
This reinforces the fact that we have far more great kids that are going to become our leaders of tomorrow than not. Great job Shadow Hills Builders Club!
dave says
God Bless all you kids who did this, you guys are great
sikntired says
Ditto, well done students, we must never forget.